ERC approves implementation of Interruptible Load Program Rules in VisMin
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved on 10 March 2010 the implementation of the Rules for the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) of Distribution Utilities in Visayas and Mindanao. The ERC promulgated the Rules as a proactive stopgap measure to address the power shortage that is currently experienced in different electricity distribution franchise areas due to the breakdown of certain power generating plants and/or shortages in supply resulting from the lower hydro generation level due to the El Niño phenomenon and increase in demand with the onset of the summer season. The ILP is a demand-side management scheme which provides compensation to participating customers who enter into a contract with the distribution utility (DU) for the voluntary interruption or reduction of the power supply to them during the system peak period or during emergency conditions, after being notified of such power de-loading.
The Rules were crafted by the ERC to streamline the process of: (1) the activation of an ILP; (2) requesting for de-loading; (3) creating a dispatch protocol; (4) documentation; and (5) billing and compensation.
The ERC previously approved a similar scheme on 01 June 2009 upon petition of the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) designed to sign-up its ‘special wholesale power customers’ to its load curtailment program. The ILP proved to be a success in the VECO franchise area, with more and more customers participating in the program. With the issuance of these Rules, any DU in the Visayas and Mindanao may already implement the ILP in their respective franchise areas without the need of filing individual applications with the ERC for authority to implement such program.
“The ERC urges the DUs and qualified consumers to participate in the program and help in augmenting the power supply in their respective areas. The implementation of an ILP will surely help to effectively alleviate the power supply condition in these areas while awaiting for additional capacities to become available,” ERC Chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut said.
March 11, 2010